With a large share of new HIV infections hitting America’s youth, and most of those oblivious to the fact they have the infection, local and federal health promoters are urging people to get free tests Saturday for World AIDS Day.

Thirty years after the first infections were reported, 26 percent of new HIV infections in the U.S. hit those aged 13 to 24, according to a new summary by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In that young group acquiring the potentially deadly virus, 60 percent don’t know they have it, the CDC said.

Rocky Mountain Planned Parenthood is jumping on those statistics and widespread publicity for World AIDS Day to urge members of the public in Colorado to get free testing at three of its sites on Saturday. U.S. health officials recommend all Americans over age 15 get an HIV test no matter their risk factors.

[1] While it’s true, as we’ve reported, that treatments now stave off symptoms indefinitely for most patients: http://http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_21029332/hiv-experts-say-improved-treatments-have-reduced-fear